A growing number of colleges and universities are making available scholarship money which is awarded not on the basis of need, but for some outstanding quality or accomplishment demonstrated by the student. The only way to learn of these awards is to seek them out; check the literature you receive from the schools to which you are applying.  Usually, in the viewbook or application materials, you will find information on merit awards.  Sometimes there are special application procedures, and often, earlier deadlines than those for the regular application for admission.  If you are interested, it is always a good idea to ask an admission representative from a college in which you are interested about the availability of merit money.  

In addition to scholarship money which is awarded to top students, some colleges also have no-need scholarships for students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, or who have participated in extensive community service work, or who are good debaters, or musicians, etc.  Again, you have to review carefully the literature from the colleges in which you are interested.

Many privately-funded scholarships are also awarded each year, from businesses, associations, civic groups, corporations, and others. Your best bet for money from sources other than the colleges is with local organizations, as opposed to the large, national competitions.  But, you can do a free scholarship search on the web at FastWeb;  you will have to register at the site.

BEWARE! of individuals and firms which claim to be able to uncover hidden riches available for you to use for college. If you are wondering about whether or not to take advantage of such a "service", speak with your counselor first. Remember, there are extensive, FREE, scholarship searches available on the web (see address above), which use the same databases used by firms which charge you.  Click here for more information on scholarship scams.